Water Metro Feasibility Study Approved for Assam: CM Sarma Thanks Sonowal for Visionary Step Toward Sustainable Urban Mobility

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday extended his sincere appreciation to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, for approving a technical feasibility study aimed at introducing water metro services in Assam. The study is set to explore the viability of water-based public transportation in key cities across the state.

Taking to social media, CM Sarma described the initiative as a major leap toward modernizing urban transit systems in Assam’s riverine regions. “With Assam’s vast river network, water metro holds tremendous potential to transform urban mobility in cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur,” he wrote, highlighting the long-term benefits of leveraging natural waterways for cleaner, more efficient transportation.

The move follows a recent review by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of the Kochi Water Metro—India’s first integrated water-based urban transport system. Impressed by its operational success, Sonowal announced that similar feasibility studies have been greenlit for 24 cities across the country, including the three major urban centres in Assam.

Speaking after touring key Kochi Water Metro terminals, Sonowal praised the system for showcasing India’s capacity to merge innovation with heritage. “The Kochi Water Metro is a shining example of how clean, comfortable, and modern water transport can transform the daily commute in urban areas,” he said. He further noted that the project serves as a model for sustainable development and urban connectivity.

The approval of feasibility studies for Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur marks a significant milestone for Assam. These cities, situated along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, are seen as ideal candidates for water metro networks due to their geography and growing urban transit demands. If implemented, the system could drastically reduce traffic congestion, enhance last-mile connectivity, and provide an eco-friendly alternative to road transport.

The water metro initiative is part of a broader national strategy to revive India’s historic inland waterways and integrate them with modern transport solutions. By adopting a water-based commute model, the government aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, cut emissions, and provide affordable transportation options to the public.

Sonowal emphasized that the water metro concept is not just a modern solution, but one deeply rooted in India’s civilizational legacy of river navigation. “What we are doing is giving a new form to an old tradition—modernizing it with cutting-edge technology, safety features, and commuter-friendly amenities,” he said. In the Kochi Water Metro visitor’s book, Sonowal noted that the project has made water transport “more exciting, comfortable, and enjoyable,” and could act as a blueprint for similar transformations across the country.

With the feasibility study now approved, the next step will involve technical assessments, route mapping, cost estimation, and stakeholder consultations. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), in coordination with state agencies, is expected to spearhead the study and prepare a comprehensive project report.

If successful, the introduction of water metro services in Assam could usher in a new era of urban transport—one that is not only sustainable and efficient but also deeply reflective of the state’s unique geographical and cultural identity.